The next morning, Viktor was wearing a loose robe when he escorted Ethan and Jace to the door. The safe house was quiet, the early light filtering through the windows, casting long shadows in the hallway. Birds chirped outside, and the air carried the fresh scent of dew on the grass.
Viktor had woken early, as always, to prepare for the day ahead... the war demands starting full force, with meetings, strategies, and risks piling up. It was also the day he joined his men after spending some time at home. He walked with them to the front entrance, his robe tied loosely, the fabric soft against his skin. He gave instructions to Ethan.
"We'll meet at the spot I mentioned yesterday. Three o'clock sharp. Bring the maps we discussed last night. No delays, Ethan. We can't afford mistakes before we commence."
Ethan nodded, adjusting his jacket as he stepped onto the porch.
"Got it. I'll be there with everything ready. Don't worry."
